EPIPHANY
A Season of Glory
On January 6th, the church celebrates the feast of Epiphany recognizing the revelation of Jesus Christ to the world as Savior of both Israel and the Gentiles. During the season of Epiphany that follows, we celebrate that Christ is made known to us, revealed to us, and made manifest in and around us. We desire to see him as he is–starting with the revelation to the Magi, through his baptism, and into his life of ministry. Jesus is being made known to us and to the world.
As Jesus is revealed in glory during Epiphany, we engage in the mission of the church–to witness to this reality that Jesus Christ came into the world to bring healing, light, and life. Thus, we want to make space for others to come to know and experience him as well. We bless our homes to be places of peace and hospitality. We commend our vocations to the Lord as a means for Jesus’ presence to be made manifest to those around us. And we pray for those in our lives who do not yet know Jesus–that he may be made known to them.
We look forward to this season of Epiphany together when we can make space for others so that we may all, as Fleming Rutledge says, “discover anew the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
WAYS TO ENGAGE
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Theology & Culture Class - A.I. and Technology
Join us January 27th at 7pm for our Theology & Culture Class. In this class, Rev. Amy Winkle will lead us in exploring how the Bible speaks into our rapidly advancing technological world. As artificial intelligence and digital tools increasingly shape how we work, think, and relate, we will examine how to think theologically about creation, wisdom, human identity, power, and responsibility in a digital world.
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House Blessing
It is traditional during the season of Epiphany to do a house blessing. We have created a download you all can use with your friends or family to bless and invite Christ to be more present in our homes this season.
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Vocational Prayers
Each Sunday in Epiphany, we will be praying over a specific vocational group. You can find these prayers and others, published by the Global Faith & Work Initiative, using the link below.
MLK Service Project
Immanuel will be partnering with the MLK Service Project again this year in the city of Decatur! We will be helping longtime Decatur residents/seniors stay safely and comfortably in their homes by providing maintenance and repairs.
Learn more and sign up using the link below…
Suggested Reading
We’ve added some new titles to our bookstore to help you engage more fully in this season. You can grab these books on Sunday morning or use the links below to purchase them yourself.
Epiphany: The Season of Glory by Fleming Rutledge
Matthew for Everyone by NT Wright
The Great Morning Revolution by Tara Beth Leach
The Way of Discernment by Elizabeth Liebert
Analog Christian: Cultivating Contentment, Resilience, and Wisdom in the Digital Age by Jay Y. Kim
Epiphany Examen Podcast
Our Community Pastor, Karen Guess, creates monthly spaces of individual/group prayer crafted around the themes and rhythms of Neighborhood Groups. This month, Karen leads an Epiphany Prayer of Examen with our Neighborhood Group pattern of remembering, reflecting, and responding. You can listen at the link below.